Francine Jay, best selling author and writer of the lovely blog Miss Minimalist was sweet enough to publish my profile yesterday. You can read it here:
I thought I would link to a few of my favorite posts about simplifying and minimalism so Francine’s readers can get to know me a little better, as well as address a question that came up in the comments.
Am I Limiting The Children Somehow Because They Don’t Do Extracurricular Activities?
Good question!
At the time of that writing, none of the kids were doing extracurricular activities, but at this moment one is taking piano lessons (he has been self taught for a long time however), and 2 are taking ballet classes. These classes are for a couple of months and aren’t long term.
In the past, the kids have taken a variety of classes (art, pottery, dance), and are very involved with friends and activities through a homeschool field trip group.
It’s not that outside activities are banned, it’s that the kids seem happier when we don’t “go” a lot.
The children pursue a lot of their own interests … two of the kids are musicians (guitar, piano), one is a prolific writer, one has a thriving eBay business, one loves to sew, one started a book club recently… and we are learning Spanish as a family… so no, I don’t think the kids are limited or being held back in any way.
Generally speaking I think many kids are too overscheduled these days. It’s better for them to have lots of time to just be… this is why they can pursue their own interests in their own way.
Now for a few of my favorite posts on simple living and minimalism, larger family style:
- Getting rid of the off season/hand me down clothing stash
- How to be a minimalist parent
- Minimalism and homeschooling
- How I use Evernote to eliminate paper clutterÂ
- Simple living: A review of 52 Bites
Francine’s book is on my wish list, but I have read her ebook and it’s excellent! You can download it for .99 here: Miss Minimalist: Inspiration to Downsize, Declutter, and Simplify
Hello!
I came to your blog from a link on Miss Minimalist. I’ve been hoping to read posts by a minimalist homeschooling mom of six or seven. I’ve been trying to get “totally organized” since 1998. I first heard about minimalism at the end of 2009. I’m a homeschooling mom with six kids on a simplifying journey. I let go of my 2 blogs in 2010, had some aspiring minimalist book sales this past summer, also ditched the What Your__ Grader Needs to Know books (and posted about it) and I’ve been wanting to let go of the basement clothing stash. I doubt my dh will let me because it does save us money, but I found your post inspiring. I look forward to reading more, but gotta go cook dinner.
Cheryl
Hi Carrie!
I’ve come over from Miss Minimalist as well. It was very inspiring to read about a large family practising minimalism. I have three children and am about to have my fourth! I love children and big families and I wouldn’t trade it for a ‘simpler’ existence (even though it’s quite possible to have a minimalist lifestyle as you’ve proven). I would say I am an aspiring minimalist – Not quite there but I certainly have the motivation. I too, have always been inclined towards minimalism. We must have been separated at birth as I also dislike shopping (especially for leisure).
I’m going to add your blog to my favourites list
Thanks for sharing your story — Looking forward to hearing more!